I was originally diagnosed with HIV in March of 96' and started AZT and 3tc in November of 96'. My T-Cell count was 509 and my vl was at 30,000 when I started the therapy. After two months, I suffered from extreme lithergy and diziness. My Tcells jumped to 700+ and the vl went to undetectable. The doctor switched me to 3tc and Zerit in January of 97. Since then my viral load still remains undetectable and my tcells have jumped to 1292. Over the last couple of months, I have started to get tingling in my legs and pain (seems muscular) in the balls of my feet. If I lift my hands over my head, they seem to fall asleep. The problem seems to worsen when I am sitting and the tingling starts at my feet and works up my legs. I have read your responses to the other questions about neuropothy and I am wondering if I should switch my meds. My dilema is that the therapy is working. If I keep on letting this go or I ask for some other type of medication to "cover up" the feeling, could I have permanent damage? I have regular bloodwork and all is well except low potassium which I treat with suppliments. Any advice you have would be appreciated?

Response from Dr. Gallant

What you're describing is certainly not "typical" neuropathy, but I can't say that it isn't due to your medications. You need to get a good neurologic exam, perhaps by an AIDS-savvy neurologist, to help sort this out.

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